Incredible artists / sweet show / silent auction style. Starting 7:00 pm on Thursday, wrapping 10:00pm on Saturday. All works start at just $45.00. All as part of 45 Fest 2012 at Kettle Art / Club Dada.

Live Fast / Die Slow is a visual extension of 45 Fest 2012. The artwork exhibited will be creations designed as potential cover art for the upcoming ‘Spector 45’ anthology of the same name. The title of this exhibit / CD is taken from a tattoo formerly on the chest of Frankie 45 Campagna.

All works will be available to the public. The actual cover art will be chosen by a distinct panel of judges and will be announced 2 days later at 45 Fest, a musical celebration of life, on Saturday, October 20 at Club Dada. For details on performers click here.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH61ni1OQes

45 Fest is an music and art event by Deep Ellum’s 45 Fund to promote mental health for Artists and Musicians. Founded in 2011, 45 Fund was inspired by the suicides of Frankie Campagna and Adam Carter, both from the Dallas based band Spector 45.

45 Fund is a project of the Deep Ellum Community Association

Background: Spector 45 was a Dallas based greaser punk band that captured the pure energy of 50’s Rock n Roll and original 70’s Punk Rock, and kicked it out for today’s audience… In less than 8 years they played over 500 shows and were always happy to perform beyond their North Texas roots. The band formed in 2003 while in high school, recorded five releases and were two time winners of the coveted Dallas Observer Music Awards for ‘best punk band’. These efforts came to a screeching halt January 1, 2011 with the suicide of founder / front man Frankie followed 88 days later by bassist Adam Carter.

The Concept behind 45 Fest is to raise awareness of mental heath for both Artists & Musicians. Given we lost two exceptional area talents earlier this year this issue must be addressed. As much as we loved these guys, this is not intended to be a ‘boo hoo’ fest but instead one concerned with those of us left behind.

Things kick off at Kettle ‘the Art of the Guitar’ an exhibition of painted guitars by preeminent visual artists, will be sold to further this effort. Guitar Center is on board and have donated 20 and many others have donated instruments as well. Expect this become an annual event much like the Art of Skateboarding. All guitars will be functional and available in a silent auction beginning at 7:00PM.

At Club Dada musical performances by Hello Lover, Jim Suhler, the Mike Haskins Experience, the Marfalites, Dog Company, Here Holy Spain, Josh Fleming of the Phuss, from Houston the Sellouts and Dallas punk rock legends the Assassins are confirmed. Also Spector 45 drummer, Animal Anthony Delabano will debut his first ever non-Frankie project the Black Habits. Overall, ‘only guitar oriented bands are participating as these guys were Rock & Roll. Music that relies on turntables or computers, just won’t fly here.’

Printed ‘In Your Face’ literature w/ Help Hotlines will be available at both venues that clearly point out options for those who may be or know someone who is upset, depressed or unstable.

Last but not least, a 24 song CD of Frankie’s unreleased music, demos and live tracks will be available, as well new 45 T-shirts and stickers. All will be limited and available on a first come first serve basis.